By Joshua Burd
Murphy Partners LLP has added a veteran attorney to lead its newly formed property tax appeal and litigation practice groups.
Thomas S. Dolan joins the Newark-based firm as a partner, bringing extensive experience in property tax issues and complex commercial matters, according to a news release. Among other roles with Murphy Partners, he will represent redevelopers and municipalities on all aspects of the approval process for long-term tax exemptions and payment in lieu of tax agreements.
“We are incredibly excited to have Tom join our growing team,” said Kellen F. Murphy, the firm’s managing partner. “He is a seasoned attorney, with significant experience handling complex real property tax and commercial litigation matters and will prove to be a valuable asset to our existing and future clients.
“His experience will be instrumental in our continued commitment to providing clients with effective legal solutions.”
Dolan has advised taxpayers and governmental entities on complex real property tax issues and has litigated the value of virtually all property types, including office, retail, apartments, industrial, hotels and unique special purpose properties, according to a news release. He also has deep experience with a host of complex commercial matters in state and federal courts, including class actions, franchise litigation, state tax controversies, commercial contracts and real estate disputes.
Additionally, Dolan’s experience includes advising nonprofit organizations on obtaining and litigating real estate tax exemptions, including arguing before the state Supreme Court, where he successfully represented a group of national and local mental health organizations in preserving property tax exemptions for housing for residents with developmental disabilities.
Earlier in his career, Dolan was a commercial litigator at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, where he litigated a wide array of complex commercial matters in state and federal courts across the country. He later worked at Skoloff & Wolfe PC, where he represented taxpayers and municipalities in property tax litigation and advice.
His current focus on long-term tax exemptions and PILOT agreements will include obtaining the proper redevelopment area designation and negotiating and finalizing the terms of the tax agreement.
Dolan received his law degree from Rutgers School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University.
“I am privileged to be joining the talented group of attorneys at Murphy Partners,” Dolan said. “In a short time, they have distinguished themselves as leaders in the areas of real estate and redevelopment. I am looking forward to contributing to the firm’s continued excellence and its growth in the areas of commercial litigation and real property taxation.”
